Scared about Endometriosis?

Question

I'm 14 and was just wondering what endometriosis is, how you are tested for it, and what treatment options are. I am getting tested for it tomorrow and I am really scared because I have never heard of it, but there is a 90% chance that I have it. Please help me I am scared out of my mind!

Answer 1

Kyle has give a good description of endometriosis. This link will take you to a page of links on the subject. I hope you can find one that is not too technical. I am sorry you are going through so much pain. I hope the problem is corrected in the near future.

Answer 2

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (the endometrial stroma and glands, which should only be located inside the uterus) is found elsewhere in the body.

Endometriosis lesions can be found anywhere in the pelvic cavity: on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and on the pelvic sidewall. Other common sites include the uterosacral ligaments, the cul-de-sac, the Pouch of Douglas, and in the rectal-vaginal septum.

In addition, it can be found in caecarian-section scars, laparoscopy or laparotomy scars, and on the bladder, bowel, intestines, colon, appendix, and rectum.

In rare cases, endometriosis has been found inside the vagina, inside the bladder, on the skin, even in the lung, spine, and brain.

The most common symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain. The pain often correlates to the menstrual cycle, but a woman with endometriosis may also experience pain that doesn’t correlate to her cycle. For many women, the pain of endometriosis is so severe and debilitating that it impacts their lives in significant ways.

Endometriosis can also cause scar tissue and adhesions to develop that can distort a woman’s internal anatomy. In advanced stages, internal organs may fuse together, causing a condition known as a "frozen pelvis."

It is estimated that 30-40% of women with endometriosis are infertile.

For many women, but not everyone, the pain of endometriosis can unfortunately be so severe and debilitating that it impacts on her life significant ways.

Pain may be felt:

before/during/after menstruation
during ovulation
in the bowel during menstruation
when passing urine
during or after sexual intercourse
in the lower back region
Other symptoms may include:

diarrhoea or constipation (in particular in connection with menstruation)
abdominal bloating (again, in connection with menstruation)
heavy or irregular bleeding
fatigue

What causes endometriosis?
Several different hypotheses have been put forward as to what causes endometriosis. Unfortunately, none of these theories have ever been entirely proven, nor do they fully explain all the mechanisms associated with the development of the disease. Thus, the cause of endometriosis remains unknown.

Most researchers, however, agree that endometriosis is exacerbated by oestrogen. Subsequently, most of the current treatments for endometriosis attempt to temper oestrogen production in a woman's body in order to relieve her of symptoms. At the moment there are no treatments, which fully cure endometriosis.

Several theories have become more accepted, and reality is that it may be a combination of factors, which make some women develop endometriosis.
Most doctors agree that laparoscopic surgery is the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis. In many cases, the disease can be diagnosed and treated in the same procedure.

The success of surgery depends greatly on the skill of the surgeon and the thoroughness of the surgery. The aim is to remove all endometriosis lesions, cysts, and adhesions.

Today, most endometriosis surgery is being done through the laparoscope, although a full abdominal incision called a laparotomy may still be required in rare cases for extensive disease or bowel resections.

HOPE THIS WORKS

Answer 3

There is no test for Endometriosis. The only way to tell if you have Endo is either by the symptoms or having surgery. I have been dealing w/ this illness since I was in high school, but didn't find out what it was until 6 years ago. Treatment options are mostly birth control to try and suppress your system.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I had it but I was much older. It has to do with the lining of your utereus. There are things they can do that aren't terribly drastic. If anything drastic is proposed, get a second opinion from a doctor in a totally different office. I had used some bad IUDs and they had scraped the lining of my utereus. The ending of any word with itis means recurring infection or ongoing infection. If you are having very heavy periods it is good to get checked and find a way to improve that condition. It is probably nothing serious because 14 year old girls have terrible periods that straighten out as you get older. It is ALWAYS better to check out anything to be sure it is nothing. Never hesitate to check and get yourself under a good doctor's supervision. Hope it goes well.

Answer 5

You really need to read "Endometriosis Bible & Violet Protocol" by Zoe Brown (also available in electronic format here: http://www.endometriosisbible.info ). It's about how to eradicate endometriosis disease forever. It worked for me, you will see results in only a matter of weeks. Good Luck!

Answer 6

First of all, take a deep breath. It's not fatal, but it can be quite painful. Just ask my wife.

Endometriosis is the growth of uterine tissue outside of the uterus. Typically, during the menstrual cycle, the uterus will shed layers, which is expelled. Unfortunately, these "extra" growths cannot be expelled, and that causes the pain.

Ultimately, it is painful, and it can be corrected with minor surgery. However, there is a decent chance of recurrence. It can interfere with child bearing if uncorrected. However, it rarely becomes that severe.